Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Whitley Bay has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Whitley Bay.
Here you can find hotels in the area of Whitley Bay
Just type in your destination and get many different suggestions.
Sights in Whitley Bay
Whitley Bay is a seaside town in Tyne and Wear, England. It is situated on the coast, about 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Newcastle upon Tyne, and had a population of 14,660 at the 2011 Census. It forms part of the borough of Whitley Bay, which also includes the neighbouring towns of Monkseaton and Seaton Delaval.
The town is twinned with image links to Dieppe in France, and to Broken Hill in Australia.
The History of Whitley Bay
Whitley Bay lies on the site of the Roman settlement of Hasta, whose name is preserved in the street names Haswell and East Parade. The ruins of the Roman fort can still be seen in the town.
During the AngloSaxon period, the area was known as Hwitelei, meaning “White Cliffs”. The name was recorded in the Domesday Book as Witelei.
The Norman Conquest of England began in 1066, and by 1086 Whitley Bay was recorded as part of the estates of Robert, Count of Mortain, halfbrother of William the Conqueror. The town was acquired by the monks of Durham Cathedral in 1135.
The title “Lord of Whitley” was granted by King Henry II to Walter de Selby in 1158. Selby held extensive estates in the northeast of England, including Whitley Bay.
In 1334, the manor of Whitley was purchased by Sir Thomas Rokeby, Lord Justice of Ireland. The Rokeby Family held the manor for over 300 years, until it was sold in 1662 to Sir John Fenwick, Bart.
Fenwick developed the coal mining industry in the North East, and his descendants continued to own and develop the Whitley Bay estate until the early 20th century. In 1894, Sir William Maxwell Aitken, later Lord Beaverbrook, acquired the estate. Beaverbrook developed Whitley Bay as a seaside resort, and many of the Edwardian and Art Deco style buildings in the town date from this period.
The town was incorporated as a municipal borough in 1908. In 1974, the borough was merged with that of Seaton Delaval and Monkseaton to form the Borough of Whitley Bay.
Whitley Bay in the 21st Century
Whitley Bay is a popular seaside resort, with a wide sandy beach and a promenade. The town centre has a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants.
There are several parks and gardens in Whitley Bay, including the Spanish City Park, which contains a Grade II listed bandstand.
The seafront is home to the North East Maritime Trust, which operates a maritime museum and an aquarium.
Whitley Bay is also home to the Playhouse Whitley Bay, a 650seat theatre which hosts a variety of live shows and events.
The relationship with Broken Hill, Australia
Whitley Bay is twinned with Broken Hill, Australia. The two towns have a longstanding relationship, dating back to 1901 when two locomotives were sent from Whitley Bay to Broken Hill to help with the construction of the railway line between the two towns.
In Broken Hill, there is a street named Whitley Street, and aWhitley Medal is awarded annually to a local citizen in recognition of their contribution to the community.
In Whitley Bay, there is a Broken Hill Close, and a bronze statue of Sir Charles Lloyd Jones, one of the founders of Broken Hill.
Every two years, a group of local people from Whitley Bay travel to Broken Hill to take part in the Race the Sun solar car race.
Sights of Whitley Bay
The seafront at Whitley Bay is dominated by the Spanish City, a Grade II listed building which was built in 1910. The Spanish City was originally a dance hall and amusement park, and now houses a café, a bar and a nightclub.
The St Mary the Virgin parish church dates from the 12th century, and is a Grade I listed building. The church was rebuilt in the 19th century, and contains a chantry chapel which is the burial place of the Rokeby family.
Near the church is the Rokeby Hall, a Grade II listed building which was the seat of the Rokeby family. The hall is now used as a residential care home.
The Whitley Bay Ice Rink is a Grade II listed building which was opened in 1934. The rink is now used as a leisure centre, with a swimming pool, a gym and a climbing wall.
Whitley Bay Beach is a wide sandy beach which stretches for over 2 miles (3 km). The beach is popular with families, and there are a number
History of Whitley Bay
Whitley Bay is a town in North Tyneside, England. It is situated on the coast, about 8 miles (13 km) north of Newcastle upon Tyne. The town has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages, when it was a small fishing village. It expanded rapidly in the late 19th century, becoming a popular seaside resort. However, it declined in popularity in the mid20th century and was hit hard by the recession in the late 1980s. regeneration projects in the 1990s and 2000s transformed the town, and it is now once again a popular tourist destination.
The name Whitley comes from AngloSaxon times. “Whit” means white or fair, and “leah” means wood or clearing. The first record of the name is from 1226, when it was spelled “Wytestudelegh”. The name referred to the area around St. Mary’s Island, which was originally covered in white limestone.
The town began to grow in the late 18th century, when visitors came to Whitley to bathe in the sea. A number of hotels and guesthouses were built to accommodate them. In 1867, a pier was built, and the following year a railway line was extended to Whitley Bay. This made it much easier for visitors to reach the town, and Whitley Bay became a popular seaside resort.
The town continued to grow in the early 20th century, with more hotels and guesthouses being built. Several large mansions were also built, most notably Seaton Delaval Hall, which was completed in 1911. However, the growth of Whitley Bay came to a halt in the 1930s, when the Great Depression hit. The town went into decline in the following years, and many of the hotels and guesthouses closed down.
The town began to recover in the 1950s, when a number of redevelopment projects were carried out. However, it was hit hard by the recession in the late 1980s, and many of the redeveloped areas fell into disrepair. regeneration projects in the 1990s and 2000s transformed the town, and it is now once again a popular tourist destination.
Vacation in Whitley Bay
Whitley Bay is a small town situated on the North East coast of England. Although it may be small, Whitley Bay is a holiday hotspot, boasting stunning beaches, a great array of shops and restaurants and a lively nightlife. Families return year after year to enjoy the seaside resort atmosphere, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The town is best known for its two awardwinning beaches, Whitley Bay Beach and Northumberlandia Beach. Both beaches are clean and safe, making them ideal for families. The wide promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll or cycle, taking in the fresh sea air. For those looking for a more active holiday, there are plenty of water sports on offer, such as surfing, sailing and windsurfing.
There is a variety of accommodation available in Whitley Bay, from camping and caravanning sites to hotels and guesthouses. Many of the accommodation options have sea views, so you can wake up to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore.
The town centre is home to a range of shops, from high street favourites to independent boutiques, as well as a selection of eateries to suit all tastes and budgets. For a fun night out, head to one of the many bars and clubs in the town, which stay open until late.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break by the sea or a lively holiday with plenty of activities, Whitley Bay is the perfect destination.
Other vacation destinations in England:
